Crassula Ovata is a perennial plant commonly known as a jade plant native to Africa and belonging to the Crassulaceae family. It is a popular succulent houseplant that is slow-growing but can have a height of 3 to 6 feet and 2- to 3 feet wide with a very long life span of seventy years. It is beautiful with thick stems, oval-shaped fresh green leaves, and serene white flowers. Its hardiness zones- preferable zones due to optimal conditions are 11-12 (USDA) which require full exposure to the sun, well-drained, and neutral to acidic soil type. It is toxic to humans and pets.
Crassula ovata plant benefits are many, if you were thinking of planting it, this article will concrete that decision
Crassula ovata care
How to take care of crassula ovata?
1. Soil
- Well-drained potting soil which promotes moisture retention is best for optimal growth.
- The ideal mixture can be potting soil, sand, and perlite for well-draining soil, clay pot can also be used to promote moisture retention.
- Soil’s pH should be ranging from 7 to 5.5 i.e. neutral to slightly acidic which would be present in the blend mentioned above.
2. Light
- Place it near a window preferably south-facing or west-facing where ample indirect light reaches.
- Direct light can be harsh so put it at a place where indirect light of an average of 6 hours is available
- The oval leaves would develop a red hue at the sidelining of the leaves if proper criteria for sunlight are met but if not the plant will become weak and will not look bushy.
3. Water
- During summer water the plant frequently to maintain the moist soil but in winter limit watering to once a month as it is mostly dormant in winter.
- Overwatering can develop root rot and kill this succulent as it is adapted to experiencing a period of drought.
- If excess water is present, don’t leave the plant hanging in there and pour it off.
Temperature and Humidity
Optimal temperature- 65 to 75 degrees F
In winter 55 degrees F, however, don’t leave the plant below 50 degrees F for a prolonged time.
Fertiliser
- A 20-20-20 fertilizer would be great in the growing time for good growth.
- Fertiliser with less nitrogen should be used on young plants.
How to grow crassula ovata?
Easy is to propagate it than growing from seeds-
How to propagate crassula ovata
- Easy to propagate from a single leaf or a cutting, the best time to propagate would be summers for a successful start of the growth due to ample sunlight.
- Take a 2 to 3-inch long cutting from a disease- free, mature and healthy plant.
- Make the cutting stay still in a warm and dry place till one end of the cutting gets dried.
- Dip the dried end in the rooting hormone.
- Plant the wounded end in a pot containing half soil and half perlite
- Water only till the soil gets damp, soon roots will arise in a few weeks then you can start caring for the plant as you would for the plant that arises from seeds.
To propagate with leaves
Take a leaf necessarily with the stem of it from a healthy disease-free plant rest the same process shall be followed as that for propagating from cuttings.
Points to consider
- Leaves need not be buried simply making contact with soil will do the job
- Roots and new growth will start from the edge of the leaf.
Crassula ovata flowers
Crassula ovata, often known as the money plant, can go without flowering but if all the conditions are optimal it will produce little pink or white, star-shaped flowers, it usually occurs from late winter to early spring.
Let’s Ensure a Good Harvest: How Many Corn Seeds Per Hole to Plant
Crassula ovata plant benefits
It can go days without water, so no worries if you travel a lot it is Drought-tolerant
- This plant has many benefits and is one of the most used home plants
- It is to propagate, maintain, and has a longer lifespan
- Reduces stress
- Provides a great décor to the room
- Its green leaves serve as a detoxifier
- It is considered as a sign of good fortune according to many cultures
Crassula ovata plant benefits vastu direction, so if you are a firm believer of Vastu, this plant is what you need
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):-
Q1. Does Crassula ovata, a jade plant, have red flowers?
Ans. No, but the leaves can look reddish under bright light.
Q2. What is Crassula ovata Gollum?
Ans. It is a cultivar of jade plant with reddish tipped tubular leaves, 2-3 feet tall but the same pink-white flowers as crassula ovata.